Getting Food Stamps in Maryland - Getting Food Stamps in

 
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Getting Food Stamps in Maryland - Getting Food Stamps in
Getting Food Stamps in

                      2013 Edition

Getting Food Stamps
in Maryland
ABOUT MARYLAND HUNGER SOLUTIONS
Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) aims to end hunger and improve nutrition in the state of Maryland. MDHS
focuses on using federal nutrition supports (school meals, summer and afterschool nutrition programs, Food
Stamps and other nutrition programs) to reduce hunger and its adverse effects on health, learning, productivity
and well-being; to improve nutrition; and to strengthen community institutions. Its goal is to increase access to
these programs and other nutritious food sources in low-income areas across Maryland through public
education, training and technical assistance, direct outreach and advocacy to improve program participation and
implementation. Established in 2007, MDHS is a separately staffed and funded initiative of the Food Research
and Action Center. Maryland Hunger Solutions is a core member of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, a
public-private coalition led by the Governor’s Office for Children to raise awareness about childhood hunger in
the state and increase participation in nutrition programs that combat hunger.

Maryland Hunger Solutions works closely with state and local organizations to improve participation in the Food
Supplement Program (“Food Stamps”) and to expand access to the program. In summer 2010, Maryland Hunger
Solutions sponsored three Baltimore City farmers’ markets to accept Food Stamp benefits using the EBT card,
becoming the first farmers’ markets in Baltimore City to accept EBT benefits. In 2011, Maryland Hunger
Solutions expanded its scope to include a total of seven farmers markets, further increasing access to healthy
food for Food Stamp recipients in the community. The project was made possible through generous funding
from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Abell Foundation, and Wholesome Wave Foundation.

Maryland Hunger Solutions appreciates the contributions of the Maryland Department of Human Resources and
the Homeless Persons Representation Project in creating this guide.

Maryland Hunger Solutions gratefully acknowledges the following funders for their support of our work.

               The Abell Foundation                                           The Moriah Fund
         Baltimore Community Foundation                                 The Morningstar Foundation
          The Annie E. Casey Foundation                                      Share Our Strength
Community Foundation for the National Capital Region                   U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Consumer Health Foundation HEAL Convergence                             The Walmart Foundation
    Partnership David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn                   Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
          Foundation Kaiser Permanente                                 Wholesome Wave Foundation
       MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
FOOD STAMPS: HELPING FAMILIES PURCHASE FOOD

    WHY ARE              More than one in nine Maryland residents (over 700,000 people in January 2013)
    FOOD STAMPS          benefit from Food Stamps each month and are able to buy more fresh produce,
    IMPORTANT?           grains, meat, and dairy products at the grocery store. Even so, a large number of
                         residents – including many low-income workers, seniors and immigrants – are not
                         getting Food Stamps even though they qualify for benefits.

                         This means that many people are missing out on one way to stretch their food
                         dollars and buy more nutritious food. In this challenging economic climate, many
                         families must decide between paying bills and buying food. Food Stamps can be a
                         tremendous help in meeting the needs of financially struggling Maryland
                         households.

                         This guide will tell you the truth about Food Stamps and give you the facts you need
                         to apply quickly and easily. Although this guide will refer to “Food Stamps,” the
                         name has changed. Nationally, the program is known as the Supplemental
                         Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Maryland uses the name Food Supplement
                         Program (FSP) instead of SNAP. Although this may seem confusing, these different
                         names refer to the same program.

                         Food Stamps are monthly funds that you can use to buy most foods. The average
                         monthly benefit in Maryland is approximately $130 per person. Most grocery
                         stores, corner stores, and even some farmers markets accept Food Stamps. Your
                         Food Stamps are not intended to pay for all of your groceries, but they will help you
                         save some money to put toward rent, utility bills, child care, or other critical
                         expenses.

                         Food Stamps are no longer distributed in paper form. Instead, people who get
                         Food Stamps have a plastic card called an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card,
                         which is similar to a bank card. In Maryland, the EBT card is known as the
                         Independence Card.

                         The Food Stamp Program is the federal government’s largest supplemental
                         nutrition program. The program is not welfare. It is a good way to increase your
                         food buying power. Your taxes have paid for the Food Stamp Program – we all have
                         the right to apply for Food Stamps in times of need.

THINK AGAIN                       READ THIS                           APPLY NOW
 Think you don’t qualify for       Find out how Food Stamps            Millions of Americans
  Food Stamps? Think again.          can help you, how to apply           stretch their food dollars
  Rules change, your situation       for Food Stamps, and how             with Food Stamps – Food
  may change – you may be            to make sure your rights are         Stamps really can help in
  able to receive them.              respected.                           times of need.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FOOD STAMPS?

   WHO CAN         Maryland’s Service Access and Information Link (SAIL) website offers an eligibility
   RECEIVE FOOD    screening tool that can tell you which social service benefit programs, such as Food
   STAMPS?         Stamps, you and the members of your family may be eligible to receive. To use the
                   screening tool, go online to: https://www.marylandsail.org/Screening/Default.aspx

                   Generally, people who fall into one of these groups can get Food Stamps:
                          U.S. citizens
                          Many legal immigrants
                          Citizen or legal permanent resident children of undocumented immigrants
                          Low-income workers
                          People who are homeless
                          People living in battered women’s programs, community mental health
                            programs, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and homeless shelters

                   People receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and/or Supplemental Social
                   Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Food Stamps.

                   Some people who usually cannot get Food Stamps are:
                          Most people on strike
                          All undocumented immigrants
                          People who did not follow Food Stamp rules in the past

   WITH WHOM       When applying for Food Stamps, it is important to understand your “Household
   CAN I RECEIVE   Size.” A household is defined as one or more persons who live together and
   BENEFITS?       purchase and prepare meals together. The “Household Size” is used to determine
                   the income limit for eligibility as well as your maximum benefit amount.

                   A household may describe a family or a group of roommates. If someone you live
                   with does not share food with you or prefers not to apply for Food Stamps, in most
                   cases you do not have to include that person in your household size. Exceptions do
                   apply; certain people who live together may not apply individually. In the following
                   situations, both parties are required to be part of the same household:
                        Spouses living together
                        Persons under age 22 living with a parent or guardian

                   Elderly persons (age 60 and above) and persons with disabilities who are living with
                   others and cannot purchase and prepare their own meals due to disability may be
                   considered a separate household.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FOOD STAMPS?

   CAN I GET      Many part-time or low-income workers receive Food Stamp benefits. Benefit
   FOOD STAMPS    amounts are based on household income and expenses.
   IF I HAVE
   INCOME?
                  To see if your household’s income may qualify, use the chart below.

                  1. Look at the number of people in your household.
                  2. Look at the number in the “200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL)” column.*
                  3. Does your household’s total monthly income before taxes fall at or below that
                     number? If so, you may qualify for Food Stamps, depending on your housing and
                     other expenses.

                               GROSS MONTHLY INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
                                       FOR FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
                                           October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013
                               Household Size          200% FPL               130% FPL
                                      1                 $1,862                    $1,211
                                      2                  2,522                     1,640
                                      3                  3,182                     2,069
                                      4                  3,842                     2,498
                                      5                  4,502                     2,927
                                      6                  5,162                     3,356
                                      7                  5,822                     3,785
                                      8                  6,481                     4,214

                  *NOTE: Some households will have a lower income limit but households with gross
                  income at 200% of FPL or below are encouraged to apply.

                  For most households in Maryland, information about assets (checking account,
   CAN I GET      savings, and cash on hand) is no longer required when applying for Food Stamps.
   FOOD STAMPS    Certain households, such as those consisting of someone who has intentionally
   IF I HAVE      broken program rules in the past, may be asked to show that they have less than
   ASSETS?        $2,000 in resources in order to qualify for Food Stamps. This amount does not
                  include the value of your car or home or certain types of savings, such as retirement
                  or college funds.
INFORMATION FOR IMMIGRANTS AND SENIORS

   CAN              Yes. An immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence (LPR) may be eligible
   IMMIGRANTS       to receive Food Stamps if they have held this status for at least five years. A few
   QUALIFY FOR      special classes of immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and survivors of human
   FOOD             trafficking, may be eligible for Food Stamps even if they came to the U.S. more
   STAMPS?          recently. Children and persons with disabilities may also be able to receive benefits,
                    even if they have lived in the U.S. for less than five years.

                    Some legal immigrants who were removed from the program in the past due to their
                    immigrant status may now be eligible again. Undocumented immigrants have never
                    been eligible for Food Stamps. This has not changed.

                    Applying for Food Stamps will not affect your immigration status or make you a
                    “public charge.” You can apply on behalf of your children who were born in the U.S.,
                    even if you yourself are not a U.S. citizen. In this case, you have to provide social
                    security numbers for your children but will not be asked to provide your social
                    security number or answer questions about your own immigration status. You will
                    be required to provide proof of your income and household expenses.

   ARE THERE        Yes. There are many special rules that make it easier for seniors and persons with
   SPECIAL RULES    disabilities to get Food Stamps.
   THAT MAKE IT
   EASIER FOR              Income Limits: Households with seniors or persons with disabilities may be
   SENIORS AND              eligible for the program even if their income is above the guidelines,
   PERSONS WITH             especially if they have unreimbursed medical expenses or higher shelter
   DISABILITES TO           costs.
   GET FOOD
   STAMPS?                 Re-certification: Unlike most households that have to recertify their Food
                            Stamps every 12 months, many households that contain only elderly
                            members only need to recertify their benefits every 24 months.

                           Interview Options: Applicants who prefer to have someone else do their
                            Food Stamp application can assign an authorized representative. The
                            representative can complete the Food Stamp application and complete the
                            interview on behalf of the applicant. Most counties will now accommodate
                            clients who prefer to do their interview by telephone.

                           Household Size: Typically, Food Stamp eligibility is based on all the people
                            living in the household. However, a person 60 years or older who is living
                            with others and cannot purchase and prepare his or her own meals due to a
                            permanent disability can be considered a separate household. This rule
                            applies as long as the others in the household have a very low income. By
                            applying as a separate household, the elderly person (and his or her spouse),
                            would likely receive a greater Food Stamp benefit.
MORE INFORMATION ON FOOD STAMPS

   WHAT ELSE        There are certain deductions that can help raise your Food Stamp benefits, including:
   SHOW I KNOW
   ABOUT FOOD              All costs of dependent care needed for work, education, or employment
   STAMPS?                  training
                           Child support you are legally obligated to pay to someone outside the
                            household
                           Shelter and utility expenses
                           Medical expenses greater than $35 per month (for individuals who are
                            disabled or age 60 or older)
                     TIP: If you pay for any of the deductions listed, be sure to bring it to your caseworker’s
                     attention! You may receive more benefits if you do so.

   WHAT CAN         Food Stamps let people shop for food that they would not be able to buy without the
   YOU BUY WITH     extra money. You can use Food Stamps to buy uncooked food and seeds or plants
   FOOD             for growing food.
   STAMPS?
                    Food Stamps cannot be used to buy:
                        • Alcohol or tobacco            • Vitamins or medicine          • Pet food (except for
                        • Paper products; soap          • Hot meals                        service animals)

   HOW LONG          Once you complete and submit an application, you should receive written notice of
   WILL IT TAKE     whether you are eligible for Food Stamps within 30 days. However, if you have less
   TO GET FOOD      than $100 on hand and your income is less than $150 a month or if your shelter
   STAMPS?          expenses are greater than your income, you may qualify for “expedited” Food
                    Stamps. That means you should get Food Stamps within one week. Ask your
                    caseworker if you are eligible.

   HOW MUCH OF      Your benefits are determined by many factors, including household size, income and
   A FOOD STAMP     deductions. The average monthly Food Stamp benefit in Maryland is about $130 per
   BENEFIT WILL I   person. Maximum benefits for each household size are provided below.
   GET?             1. Find the number of people in your family (“Household Size”) on the left.
                    2. The maximum monthly benefit for your household size is on the right.

                                         MAXIMUM FOOD STAMP BENEFIT LEVEL
                                                October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013

                                          Household Size               Maximum Benefit
                                                  1                            $ 200
                                                  2                             367
                                                  3                             526
                                                  4                             668
                                                  5                             793
                                                  6                             952
                                                  7                            1,052
                                                  8                            1,202
HOW TO APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS

   STEP 1:        The first step in applying for Food Stamps is to begin an application. You may start
   START AN       your application online or fill out a paper application.
   APPLICATION
                      Online Application: Maryland residents can find out if they may be eligible for
                      social services such as Food Stamps and submit applications for these
                      programs using the Service Access and Information Link (SAIL) online tool.
                              Go online to www.MarylandSAIL.org, click “Start/Update Application”
                               and then “Start Application.”
                              Select “Food Stamps” and any other programs you are interested in
                               applying for.

                         TIP: Write down your “control number,” listed at the top of the page so you
                        may return to the application at a later date.

                       Paper Application: Paper applications are available through your local
                       Department of Social Services (DSS) office. (See pages 11-13 for the address
                       of an office near you). To obtain an application you may:
                              Pick up an application from any Department of Social Services office
                               or have someone pick one up for you.
                              Call your local DSS office and ask them to mail you an application.
                              Go online to http://www.dhr.state.md.us/fia/doc/assist.pdf to
                               download and print the application

                  Once you have started an application, fill in the information as best as you can.
   STEP 2: TURN   Start gathering as much documentation as you can, such as proof of where you
   IN YOUR        live and how much you earn. See page 10 for a useful checklist of documents.
   APPLICATION    These materials are not required to start the application process, but having all of
                  this information with you may prevent you from having to go back to the office
                  multiple times.

                  Turn in your application once you have completed as much as possible. Even if
                  your application is incomplete, as long as your name, signature and address are
                  filled-in, your application will be accepted. Turning in a partial application will
                  “start the clock,” making sure the Department of Social Services office starts
                  working on your application. This helps ensure that you get your Food Stamp
                  benefits as soon as possible; dating back to the date you turned in your
                  application.

                          Online Application: Your application will be sent to the Department of
                          Social Services when you click the submit button. Be sure to fill in as
                          much information as possible before clicking submit.

                          Paper Applications: Turn in your application at your local Department of
                          Social Services office. You may mail, fax, or drop it off or have someone
                          drop it off for you.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS

                 Keep in mind that mailing your application or signature page to the office may
                 take longer to process. If you decide to turn the application or signature page in
                 to the Department of Social Services office in person, the office will accept the
                 form on the same day you turn it in even if they cannot interview you on that day.
                 If you are not interviewed on the day you turn in your form, the office will contact
                 you to set up an interview.

                    TIP: Be sure to provide the correct phone number! It is very important that a
                   DSS worker is able to get in touch with you after you apply for Food Stamps. If
                   your phone number is incorrect or not listed, it will delay the application process.

   STEP 3:       Part of the application process is completing an interview. Most offices now
   COMPLETE      conduct interviews by phone. If you are asked to interview in person, you may
   YOUR FOOD     request a phone interview if you have hardships getting to the Department of
   STAMP         Social Services office. (See page 9 for more information on requesting a phone
   INTERVIEW     interview). Your interview may take place the same day you turn in the
                 application if you bring it into the office in person, or you may be given a time to
                 come for an interview.

                 During your interview, you will meet your caseworker. He or she will help you fill
                 out your application if it is not complete and ask you questions about information
                 you’ve provided or left off. Make sure to ask any questions you may have and find
                 out about reporting and recertification requirements. It is important that you
                 write down your caseworker’s contact information.

                    TIP: If you can, make copies of everything you submit and try to keep
                   everything handy because you may need the documents again. Keep a list of the
                   people you talk with. Know how to reach your caseworker.

   STEP 4:       Commonly, applicants do not have all of the documents they need to complete
   SUBMIT ANY    the application the first time they go to the office. Your caseworker should tell
   OTHER         you what other information you need to bring in and will ask you to return within
   INFORMATION   30 days of submitting the application. Bring in requested documents as soon as
   YOUR          possible since the office cannot tell whether you are eligible until you bring all the
   CASEWORKER    information.
   ASKS FOR
                 Do not forget this step! Your application will not be processed until all of your
                 information is received. If you wait too long, your case will be closed and you may
                 have to start the application process all over again.

                    TIP: Your caseworker is required to help you obtain the requested verification
                   documents. If you are having trouble getting a necessary document, ask your
                   caseworker for assistance.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS

   STEP 5: FIND   Once your application is complete, the Department of Social Services office will send
   OUT IF YOUR    you a letter within 30 days (or 7 days if you qualify for “expedited” Food Stamps) to
   APPLICATION    let you know if you qualify. If you qualify, the notice will contain information on your
   FOR FOOD       monthly benefit amount and when you will need to recertify.
   STAMPS WAS
   APPROVED       Even if you do not qualify, you should receive a notice explaining why. If you do not
                  receive a letter from the Department of Social Services telling you whether or not
                  you qualify, feel you were wrongly denied, or given the incorrect benefit amount, file
                  an appeal in writing at your local DSS office. You have 90 days from the date DSS lets
                  you know of its decision to file an appeal. An administrative hearing will be
                  scheduled within 15 days of the date you file the appeal. The judge has 60 days from
                  the date you file your appeal to issue a written decision.

   STEP 6: KEEP   Be sure to follow reporting requirements. Food Stamp customers are required to tell
   UP WITH THE    the Department of Social Services (DSS) office about certain changes (for example,
   PROGRAM        changes in income). You should receive a form telling you what changes you have to
                  report. You may notify your local DSS office of changes by phone, fax, or in person.

                  You may be required to participate in an employment training program. Some, but
                  not all, Food Stamp customers have to do this. If your caseworker asks you to enter
                  the program, you must do so to keep your benefits.

   STEP 7: BE     Households receiving Food Stamps are approved for at least 6 months and many are
   AWARE OF       certified for up to 12 months. You should be notified of how long your certification
   WHEN YOU       period is when you first receive benefits.
   HAVE TO RE-
   APPLY          Note: Seniors and persons with disabilities are typically approved for Food Stamps
                  for 24 months, and homeless households are typically approved for 6 months.

                  The Department of Social Services office will send you a mail-in recertification form
                  after 6 months to verify that your situation has not changed and will contact you
                  again when it is close to the end of your certification period. Be sure to answer the
                  questions, sign and return the form as soon as possible. If you do not, your Food
                  Stamp benefits will be cut off.

                  Recertification involves an interview and providing verification documents. You will
                  be given a time to talk with your caseworker by phone or go into the office for the
                  recertification interview. If you cannot go to the office on that day, you can call to
                  reschedule. When you go to the office, you should take documentation of any
                  information that has changed since your application or last recertification. (See Page
                  10 for the list of documents you may need).

                  Be sure to re-apply on time so that your Food Stamp benefits keep coming without
                  a lapse.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

   WHAT ARE MY    When you go to the Department of Social Services office to apply for Food Stamps,
   RIGHTS         you have the right to:
   DURING A
                         Get the forms on the same day you ask for them
   FOOD STAMP
                         Be screened for eligibility for “expedited” benefits (received within 7 days)
   INTERVIEW?
                         Fill in only your name, address, telephone number, and signature before
                          handing in your application (you can finish it later)
                         File your application the day that you get it, at any time during office hours.
                         Get a list of documents you will need to complete your application
                         Get help from someone who speaks your primary language
                         Submit the application at any office in your county

    WHAT ARE MY   When you are dealing with the Food Stamp office, you should:
   RESPONSIBIL-
   ITIES?                Give your true and complete information. If you give false information, you
                          may lose your benefits. You could also face other consequences, such as
                          fines or, in rare cases, criminal proceedings.
                         Tell your case worker about any changes that you are asked to report,
                          including changes in income or who is in your household.
                         Keep your appointments at the DSS office.
                         Always get a receipt for documents you turn in at the DSS office.

   WHAT IS THE    During your initial interview, your case worker should:
   ROLE OF MY
                         Tell you the program rules and explain them
   CASE
                         Ask you questions to complete your application
   WORKER?
                         Provide a list of examples of the documents or contacts you can use to prove
                          your income, your expenses, who is in your household, and who you are
                         Ask you to show or collect the information on the list

                     TIP: At your interview, make sure that you ask questions about things that you don’t
                    understand. It is important that you know what you will have to do to get Food Stamps.

   WHAT           If you cannot make it to the DSS office for your Food Stamp interview, you can assign
   HAPPENS IF I   someone to be your authorized representative. Your authorized representative
   CANNOT MAKE    should be someone you trust. All you need to do is to check the boxes on the Food
   IT TO THE      Stamp application that lets someone act on your behalf. You can have an authorized
   FOOD STAMP     representative do one or more of the following for you:
   OFFICE?
                      • Attend the interview        • File your paperwork              • Use your EBT card
                  If you cannot attend the interview or get to the Food Stamp office because you have
                  a disability or are a senior citizen, you can request a phone interview, home visit,
                  more time to complete the application/recertification requirements or other
                  reasonable accommodation necessary due to a disability (e.g. TDD phone).
                  You can also ask for a phone interview if you cannot get to the office because of
                  work, transportation, caring for a dependent or some other hardship.
FOOD STAMP APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  CHECKLIST OF   For the Department of Social Services to accept your application, all you need to fill
  DOCUMENTS      in is your name, address and signature. You can provide the rest of the
  YOU SHOULD     documentation below at your interview.
  TAKE WITH
  YOU TO THE       Proof of Identity – This does not need to be a photo ID. If you do not have a
  FOOD STAMP        document to prove your identity, you can bring along a friend, neighbor or
  OFFICE FOR        family member who can verify your name and identity.
  YOUR
                   Proof that you live in Maryland – Your driver’s license or mail addressed to
  INTERVIEW
                    your current residence will fulfill this requirement. Other options include a
                    recent rent receipt, copy of your lease, mortgage payment, or your landlord’s
                    name and phone number. Alternatively, you can bring a signed letter from a
                    neighbor stating that you live at that address.*
                         *NOTE: If you are homeless, you may still apply for food stamps. Homeless
                         persons are not required to provide a permanent address.

                   Social Security Number (SSN) – You do not need to show your social security
                    card but must provide the SSN for all members of your household.

                   Proof of Income – Proof of income for ALL sources of income for ALL members
                    of the household such as your last 3 pay stubs, letters from Social Security, VA
                    benefits, educational scholarships, grants or loans, unemployment payments,
                    or your employer’s name and phone number.

                   Dependent care – You may claim costs of caring for a dependent child, elderly,
                    or disabled member of your household.

                   Medical Expenses – If you are 60 years or over or receiving Supplemental
                    Security Income (SSI) benefits or Social Security Disability payments, bring
                    proof of any medical or dental expenses you might have, including over-the-
                    counter purchases, transportation to medical appointments and co-pays.
                   Proof of Housing Expenses – Bring recent rent or mortgage payment receipts.
                    Bring receipts of all recent utility bills: phone, gas, electric and water. Be sure
                    that all of these documents have your address printed on them.

                   Proof of Immigration Status – You must provide proof of your immigration
                    status. You should bring the immigration and naturalization papers for
                    yourself or whomever you are applying for. Your papers are not required if
                    you are applying only for children who were born in the United States.

                   Proof of Child Care Payment – If you are legally obligated to pay child support
                    to or for someone outside your household, you will be required to prove your
                    legal obligation and the amount you are paying.

                   Proof of any Assets – A small number of applicants will be asked how much
                    money they have on hand or in savings or checking accounts. Unless you live
                    with someone who has violated Food Stamp program rules in the past, you will
                    not need to provide information on assets.
FOOD STAMP OFFICES

To apply for Food Stamps, go online to www.marylandsail.org or contact the DSS office in your county. Some
counties have more than one DSS office. Call ahead for hours of operation and to find the location nearest you.

ALLEGANY COUNTY                                           BALTIMORE COUNTY
One Frederick Street, Cumberland, MD 21502                ►Towson Office
Phone: (301) 784-7000                                     6401 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212
Fax: (301) 784-7222                                       Phone: (410) 853-3000 | Fax: (410) 853-3955
                                                          ►Catonsville Office
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY                                       910 Frederick Road, Baltimore, MD 21228
►Annapolis Office                                         Phone: (410) 853-3451
80 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
                                                          ►Dundalk Office
Phone: (410) 269-4500 | Fax: (410) 974-8566
                                                          1400 Merritt Blvd. Suite C, Dundalk, MD 21222
►Glen Burnie Office                                       Phone: (410) 853-3402 | Fax: (410) 853-3401
7500 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
                                                          ►Essex Office
Phone: (410) 421-8500 | Fax: (410) 508-2079
                                                          439 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21221
                                                          Phone: (410) 853-3810 | Fax: (410) 853-3850
BALTIMORE CITY
                                                          ►Reisterstown Office
►Clifton-Johnston Square Center                           130 Chartley Drive, Reisterstown, MD 21136
1920 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21213
                                                          Phone: (410) 853-3009 | Fax: (410) 853-3069
Phone: (443) 423-6400 | Fax: (443) 423-6201
►Dunbar-Orangeville Center                                CALVERT COUNTY
2919 E. Biddle Street, Baltimore, MD 21213                200 Duke Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: (443) 423-5200 | Fax: (443) 423-5101               Phone: (443) 550-6900
►Harbor View Center                                       Fax: (410) 286-7429
18 Reedbird Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225
Phone: (443) 423-4700 | Fax: (443) 423-4703               CAROLINE COUNTY
►Harford-North Center                                     Location: 207 South Third Street, Denton, MD 21629
2000 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21213              Satellite Office: 300 Market St., Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (443) 423-6400                                     Mailing Address: PO Box 400, Denton, MD 21629
►Hilton Heights Center                                    Phone: (410) 819-4500 | Fax: (410) 819-4501
500 N. Hilton Street, Baltimore, MD 21229
Phone: (443) 423-4800 | Fax: (443) 423-4802               CARROLL COUNTY
►Northwest Center                                         1232 Tech Court, Westminster, MD 21157
5818 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215               Phone: (410) 386-3300 | Fax: (410) 386-3429
Phone: (443) 378-4400 | Fax: (443) 423-4300
►Penn-North Center                                        CECIL COUNTY
2500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217             170 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: (443) 423-7600 | Fax: (443) 423-7602               Phone: (410) 996-0100 |Fax: (410) 996-0464
► Southwest Center
1223 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223                 CHARLES COUNTY
Phone: (443) 423-7800 |Fax: (443) 423-7899                200 Kent Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646
                                                          Phone: (301) 392-6400 | Fax: (301) 870-3958
FOOD STAMP OFFICES (cont.)

DORCHESTER COUNTY                                      PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Location: 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613         ►Northern Family Investment Division Offices
Mailing Address: PO Box 217, Cambridge, MD 21613       (Hyattsville Location – closed for renovation)
Phone: (410) 901-4100 | Fax: (410) 901-1047            Location: 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782
                                                       Mailing Address: 805 Brightseat Road
FREDERICK COUNTY                                                          Landover, MD 20785
Location: 100 All Saints Street, Frederick, MD 21701   Phone: (301) 209-5000 | Fax: (301) 209-5276
Mailing Address: PO Box 237, Frederick, MD 21705       ►Southern County Multi-Service Center & Family
Phone: (301) 600-4555 | Fax: (301) 600-4550            Investment Division Offices
                                                       Location: 4235 28th Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748
GARRETT COUNTY                                         Mailing Address: 805 Brightseat Road
►Oakland Office                                                           Landover, MD 20785
12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550               Phone: (301) 316-7700 | Fax: (301) 316-7701
Phone: (301) 533-3000 | Fax: (301) 334-5449            ►Central Family Investment & Community Services
TTY: (301) 334-5426                                    Divisions
►Grantsville Office                                    425 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785
28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, MD 21536             Phone: (301) 909-6000 | Fax: (301) 909-6067
Phone: (301) 895-3560 | Fax: (301) 895-5149
                                                       QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY
HARFORD COUNTY                                         125 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617
2 South Bond Street, Bel Air, MD 21014                 Phone: (410) 758-8000 | Fax: (410) 758-8110
Phone: (410) 836-4700 | Fax: (410) 836-4945            TTY: (410) 758-5164

HOWARD COUNTY                                          ST. MARY’S COUNTY
7121 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046        Location: 23110 Leonard Hall Drive
Phone: (410) 872-8700                                            Leonardtown, MD 20650
                                                       Mailing Address: PO Box 509
KENT COUNTY                                                              Leonardtown, MD 20650
Location: 350 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620       ►Satellite Office
Mailing Address: PO Box 670                            21775 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653
                 Chestertown, MD 21620                 Phone: (240) 895-7000
Phone: (410) 810-7600 | Fax: (410) 778-1497
                                                       SOMERSET COUNTY
MONTGOMERY COUNTY                                      Location: 30397 Mt. Vernon Road
►Silver Spring Office                                            Princess Anne, MD 21853
8818 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910           Mailing Address: PO Box 369
Phone: (240) 777-3100 | Fax: (240) 777-1002                             Princess Anne, MD 21853
TTY: (240) 777-1478                                    Phone: (410) 667- 4200 | Fax: (410) 677-4300
►Germantown Office
12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874           TALBOT COUNTY
Phone: (240) 777-3420 | Fax: (240) 777-3261            Location: 301 Bay Street, Easton, MD 21601
                                                       Mailing Address: PO Box 1419
►Rockville Office
                                                                        Easton, MD 21601
1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
                                                       Phone: (410) 770-4848 | Fax: (410) 820-7117
Phone: (240) 777-4600 | Fax: (240) 777-1494
FOOD STAMP OFFICES (cont.)

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Location: 122 North Potomac Street
          Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mailing Address: PO Box 1419
                 Hagerstown, MD 21741
Phone: (240) 420-2100 | Fax: (240) 420-2299

WICOMICO COUNTY
201 Baptist Street, Suite 27, Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: (410) 713-3900 | Fax: (410) 713-3910

WORCESTER COUNTY
Location: 299 Commerce Street
          Snow Hill, MD 21863
Mailing Address: PO Box 39, Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 677-6800 | Fax: (410) 677-6810
Maryland Farmers’ Markets Accepting Food Stamps (2012)

ALLEGANY COUNTY                            Tuesday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Allegany Mountain Fresh Producers Market   Arbutus Farmer’s Market
Downtown Cumberland Mall                   Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department parking lot
Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.           5200 Southwestern Blvd.
                                           Thursday: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
BALTIMORE CITY
                                           CHARLES COUNTY
Baltimore Farmers’ Market and Bazaar
Saratoga St. at Holliday and Gay           Waldorf Market
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to Noon                  St. Patricks Drive and O’Donnell Place
Charles Street Friday Market               Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
1700 N. Charles Street                     Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.             FREDERICK COUNTY
Highlandtown Farmers' Market
                                           Grace Community Church Farmers’ Market
400 S. Conkling St. at Eastern Ave.
                                           5102 Old National Pike
Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                                           Friday: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Park Heights Community Farmers' Market
Pimlico Race Course Parking Lot            MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.          Briggs Chaney-Greencastle Farmers & Artisans
32nd Street/Waverly Farmers' Market        Market
400 block of E. 32nd Street                Parking Lot at East County Service Center
Saturday: 7 a.m. to Noon                   3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring
Real Food Farm Mobile Market               Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Belair Rd. at Erdman Ave.                  Rockville Market
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.          Rt. 28 and Monroe St.
Lake Montebello                            Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.             Shady Grove Farmers & Artisans Market
University Farmers’ Market                 9601 Broschard Rd.
Baltimore and Paca St.                     Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.           Crossroads Farmers' Market
West Baltimore MARC Farmers' Market        7676 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park
400 Block of Smallwood Street              Wednesday: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
between Franklin and Mulberry              Silver Spring FRESHFARM Market
Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon                   Ellsworth Drive between Fenton & Cedar
Go Life/Cylburn Farmers’ Market            Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sinai Hospital Parking Lot                 Takoma Park Farmers' Market
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.            Old Town Takoma Park on Laurel Ave.
BALTIMORE COUNTY                           (between Carroll Ave. & Eastern Ave.)
                                           Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Catonsville Wednesday Farmers’ Market
                                           Wheaton Farmers Market
108 Bloomsbury Ave.
                                           Reedie Drive between Viers Mill & Georgia Ave.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
                                           Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kenilworth Wednesday Farmers’ Market
800 Kenilworth Drive
                                                   See www.eatfreshmaryland.org
This project has been funded at least in part with the federal funds
       from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), an equal opportunity
           provider and employer. The contents of this publication do not
        necessarily reflect the view or policies of the USDA, nor does mention
            of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply
                         endorsement by the U.S. government.

                         Maryland Hunger Solutions
       An Initiative of the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)
          400 E. Pratt Street, Suite 606 | Baltimore, MD 21202
              410-528-0021 | www.mdhungersolutions.org

                   This guide is available online at
www.mdhungersolutions.org/pdf/maryland_getting_foodstamps_guide.pdf
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